Spotlight On
Idaho
Since rootEd’s launch in Idaho in 2021, rootEd has served approximately 730 students at Teton High in Driggs.
“What rootEd allows me to do is work fulltime to help students prepare for postsecondary. I get to teach them to aim higher.”
— Russ Tibbitts, rootEd advisor at Teton High
"Teton High School has always been focused on helping students succeed in ways that are meaningful to them. What rootEd Alliance brings is additional capacity and specialized support so students can better understand all of the options available to them.”
– Teton High School Principal Kristin Weston
“Coming from a single-parent household, I knew I needed to apply to as many scholarships as possible to afford college. Mr. Tibbitts provided me with all the resources and knowledge I needed, and even helped proofread my writing to make sure I was submitting my best work. It was deeply fulfilling to tell my mom she didn’t have to worry about paying for my schooling because it was all covered.”
– America Paz, a 2025 Teton High School graduate
"Since rootEd’s launch at Teton High School, rootEd advisor Russ Tibbitts has achieved remarkable success with students. Under his leadership, the school has seen significant increases in the number of students pursuing education or career training after graduation, and his efforts to help students secure financial aid and scholarships have been transformational."
— Dan Shefter, Partner at BDT & MSD Partners and local champion of rootEd Alliance